Colour notation

Colour notation refers to the codes used by colour models to identify and store colour values in a form recognisable to both computers and humans.

RGB Colour Model

The RGB colour model uses both decimal and hexadecimal triplets for colour notation. So RGB notation looks like this:

  • R=255, G=128, B=0 is the decimal notation for orange.
  • #FF8000 is the hexadecimal notation for orange.
HSB Colour Model

The HSB colour model uses decimal triplets for colour notation. So an HSB notation looks like this:

  • H=30, S=100, B=100 is the notation for orange.
CMYK Colour Model
  • The CMYK colour model uses decimal quadruplets for colour notation. So a CMYK notation looks like this:
    •  C=0, M=61, Y=100, K=0 is the notation for orange.
    • Each model involves a different method of encoding colours and each is used for different purposes. RGB, for instance, is commonly used for electronic displays, while CMYK is often used for printing.
    • HSB, also known as HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value), is a cylindrical representation of RGB and is more intuitive for humans to understand and manipulate.
    • Conversion between different forms of notation does not always result in an exact match due to the differences in colour gamuts.
  • Colour notation refers to the codes used by colour models to identify and store colour values in a form recognizable to both computers and humans.
  • For example, the RGB colour model uses both decimal and hexadecimal triplets for colour notation. So RGB notation looks like this:
    • R=255, G=128, B=0 is the decimal notation for orange.
    • #FF8000 is the hexadecimal notation for orange.